After leaving the tavern, Re Ming pondered the numerous clues he had gathered. While the fate of the woman who had been abused and discarded in the wilderness by the Chen family's young master was indeed tragic, he couldn't help but wonder: what drove the young master to commit such an act? Suddenly, a possibility dawned on him.
Regardless, this matter was likely linked to the Chen family. 'Chen family... Or should I first investigate outside the city?' With these thoughts, he headed decisively towards the city outskirts.
Chen Family Mansion
A man lounged half-reclined on a bed, several disheveled yet stunning women attending to him. Their fair and voluptuous forms were enough to stir one's blood, igniting illicit desires.
Chen Yu scanned the scene before him with indifference, then glanced towards the kneeling figure outside the veil. He spoke slowly, "The widow from a few days ago indeed provided me with a unique experience. Well done, He Qiang."
He Qiang's face brightened at the praise. He bowed respectfully, "It's my honor to serve you, Young Master."
Chen Yu nodded in satisfaction, "Indeed. But I desire Li Nianjiao even more. Do you... know what to do?"
Thinking of Li Nianjiao's peerless beauty and graceful figure, Chen Yu felt a rush of heat through his body, stirring forbidden desires.
At his words, He Qiang's expression turned hesitant. He paused before replying, "Young Master, the Li Family holds considerable influence in Tianyang City. If we were to... acquire Li Nianjiao, the Li Family might..."
Chen Yu's face darkened, a glint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes. He spoke in a low voice, "No matter. My father is about to break through to the Mid-stage Soul Realm. Once that happens, we'll swallow up the Li Family's assets. What's left will be ours, won't it?"
"Yes, I'll take care of it, Young Master."
Chen Yu watched He Qiang's retreating figure with a cold smile playing on his lips.
"Li Nianjiao, you will be mine, sooner or later."
Meanwhile, outside the city, Re Ming had searched the area multiple times without any success. He scratched his head in frustration.
"Strange, why is there nothing?" he muttered to himself.
His gaze wandered and settled on the patrol guards stationed at the city gate. Perhaps they knew something. He strode over.
One of the guards, with a scruffy beard, barked, "Halt! What are you doing?"
Swish, swish, swish—
All eyes turned to Re Ming as he produced a token from his hand. Crafted from an unknown material, the token bore intricate patterns and emitted a faint, ethereal glow.
As the guard gradually recognized the words "Vermillion Bird Sanctuary" engraved on it, his expression shifted from confusion to astonishment, his mind momentarily blank as if struck by lightning.
After a brief daze, he quickly regained his composure, a smile of apology on his face. He bowed respectfully, "My apologies, sir. I didn't realize you were an envoy from the Sanctuary. Please forgive my disrespect."
"No harm done. I'd like to ask you about something. I heard that there are often corpses found in a small grove outside the city. Have you investigated it? Did you find any clues?" Re Ming waved his hand, speaking calmly.
At his words, the guard's expression turned grave. He gestured for Re Ming to follow him, and they made their way to a mansion.
"It's not safe to talk here. Please, come inside," the guard said, leading Re Ming to a courtyard.
"Please, have a seat." The guard motioned to a chair nearby, and Re Ming sat down without hesitation.
After a brief moment, the guard, named He Qiang, spoke, "Sir, we're not entirely sure about the details, but I've informed our city lord about the situation."
Just then, a middle-aged man in a blue robe stood at the mansion's entrance, welcoming them with a smile.
"I'm Xu Huaiyuan, the lord of Tianyang City. Please forgive my negligence in welcoming you earlier, esteemed envoy," he said warmly.
"I'm Re Ming from the Vermillion Bird Sanctuary. No need for formalities. I believe you're aware of the reason for my visit," Re Ming replied with a courteous bow.
Xu Huaiyuan nodded, impressed by Re Ming's demeanor. He led the way into the mansion, and they sat down in a courtyard, the scenery outside unique and captivating.
"Please, sit," Xu Huaiyuan gestured to the chairs, and they both took a seat.
Once the attendants had left, Xu Huaiyuan got straight to the point. "I reported this matter to your esteemed Sanctuary. Additionally, I've managed to uncover some details about the case."
"This was all done by the young master of the Chen family," Xu Huaiyuan concluded.
Re Ming's eyes narrowed slightly. As expected, he thought. Then he asked, puzzled, "Since City Lord Xu has already identified the perpetrator, why didn't you take action directly? Why report this to the Vermillion Bird Sanctuary instead?"
Xu Huaiyuan shook his head and sighed, smiling wryly. "To be honest, young friend, the Chen family's young master, Chen Yu, somehow acquired a sinister technique that enhances his cultivation by exploiting women. With each encounter, the woman's vital essence and lifespan are drained."
"The husbands of those women were likely eliminated by his orders as well. There are two reasons I haven't acted. First, there's a suspected powerful force backing the Chen family. Second, the Chen family's patriarch is rumored to have reached the Spirit Concealment Realm. Although it's unclear if the old man is still alive, it wouldn't be wise to underestimate him. As for me, I'm merely at the mid-stage of the Soul Realm, so I'm reluctant to act without sufficient strength. That's why I had to report this to the Sanctuary."
Re Ming was taken aback, inwardly cursing. Damn it, I didn't expect this situation to be so complicated. I thought dealing with the Chen family head would be enough, but now it involves so many powerful figures. I hope I don't end up biting off more than I can chew this time.
No wonder the elder looked at me so cryptically when he assigned this task. He must have known the full story.
Should I find an excuse to back out of this?
Seeing his hesitation, Xu Huaiyuan pressed on, "May I ask what your current cultivation level is, young friend?"
Re Ming forced a smile. "I'm at the peak of the Spirit Sea Realm. Apologies if that's disappointing, City Lord Xu."
Xu Huaiyuan's face darkened. Spirit Sea Realm peak? Is he joking? He's not even in the Soul Realm. What were the Sanctuary's elders thinking? Never mind, at least he has the Sanctuary's backing, which is more than I have.
"It's no problem. To reach the peak of the Spirit Sea Realm at such a young age is impressive. The high-ranking members of the Sanctuary must have their reasons for sending you." Xu Huaiyuan said, forcing a smile.
As he spoke, Xu Huaiyuan's pupils suddenly contracted, staring at Re Ming in shock as he sensed his aura rapidly rising, reaching the Soul Realm!
"Sorry about that, I accidentally broke through," Re Ming said with an embarrassed smile.